ITAL 202 – The Florence Experience IV

The Florence Experience IV is an interdisciplinary course that builds on three semesters of previous work. It focuses on achieving a post-intermediate level in cultural and linguistic-communicative competencies. The course aims at developing such skills (both oral and written) so that students may be able to express themselves in a wide range of subjects and effortlessly interact with native speakers.

The course offers students an interdisciplinary experience in language learning. As is well known, this is possible only by direct immersion in the target culture. Since language and culture are deeply connected (language IS culture and culture IS language), each class will introduce students to linguistic skills such as communicative structures, grammar structures, vocabulary and pronunciation.

In addition, it will provide them with a deeper knowledge of Italian culture. The city of Florence will thus become a cultural laboratory; Florence stands out as a most appealing mix of contemporary Italian culture to be explored by students. In addition to classroom work, the course includes a series of on-site meetings. These will range from interviews with students to field trips and visits to museums and theaters, as well as meetings with students from the “Università degli Studi di Firenze”. ISI Florence students will also meet professional actors who are tasked with conducting language/culture in-class activities.

At the end of this course, students will achieve a post-intermediate level in cultural and linguistic-communicative competences. The course aims at developing such skills (both oral and written) so that students may be able to express themselves in a wide range of subjects and effortlessly interact with native speakers.